A MAN has been arrested by detectives investigating the murder of an 83-year-old Birmingham pensioner.

West Mercia Police said the man, whose age has not been disclosed, had been detained on suspicion of murdering Paul Cox and was being questioned by officers.

In a brief statement, the West Mercia force did not confirm where he was arrested, but confirmed that he was being held at a police station in Worcestershire.

Mr Cox, who lived alone, was found dead at his semi-detached house in Rednal on the outskirts of Birmingham on Friday after concerned neighbours contacted police.

Meanwhile, detectives are continuing their hunt for the victim’s Ford Focus, which was stolen from his driveway.

Despite issuing an initial appeal for information about the car on the day Mr Cox’s body was discovered, police have yet to trace the vehicle, which has the registration MH05 DFN, scrape markings along its passenger side and paint damage to the front bumper.

Officers believe the Ford was taken from the property in Waseley Road between 7.30pm on Thursday and 8am the following morning.

Chief Inspector Amanda Blakeman, of West Mercia Police, said: “It is crucial that we find this vehicle as soon as possible and I would again urge anyone who has seen it to contact us as a matter of urgency.

“We also want to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious activity around Mr Cox’s address at Waseley Road between Thursday and Friday, or if they came into contact with him and can help us build up a picture of his final movements.

“We are grateful to those people who have co-operated with our officers and given us information. The local community are clearly shocked by the tragic circumstances and senseless nature of this man’s death, as we are.”

Anyone with information which could assist the inquiry is urged to call Redditch police station on 0300 333 3000.